Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Originally, when I began blogging, I lived at Disposable City but what was rather personal - though oftentimes vague - was frequently attacked by the many people who neither know me not like me. On that front, I reviewed several books under the very harsh criticism with which I read and those entries, of course, were also attacked with mostly comments against my appearance - how what I look like and how I feel about a book are related, Ill never know but regardless, that was a common reaction from those so enamored with hating me that they just had to read my blog.

Anyhow, on that blog I also confessed my own adoration for Ellen Frances, a fellow NYC resident and blogger, but also a pretty incredible genius. Well, just now I got a message from her about the book trailer she just created for Shane Jones' new book Light Boxes and I mostly didnt even have to debate whether or not Id post it but upon watching, there were even more reasons "Why not?!" For instance, its pretty. Also, Ellens precious baby Oona guest stars. Also, it is sort of spooky. Granted, I have no idea what the book is about or even if I like it, I do like this trailer enough to post it.

Of the book, itself, however, Ellen writes:

When I first read an excerpt of Light Boxes online I felt like I was witnessing the birth of one of the greatest works of art of our time. This was when it had first come out on Publishing Genius. I blogged about it here and was sent a copy of the book with a note inside thanking me for the blog post. The novel exceeded my expectations. The entire book was a work of art. The layout of the text was considered in a way that made the book itself feel alive. The story was written from abstract perspectives, descriptions were poetic and the imagery breathtaking and vivid. It was not too surprising that the book was picked up by Penguin and the film rights sold to Spike Jonze. Having an original copy of the indie release, I can proudly say I knew this little book when...

I never knew much of Shane Jones. I knew he had a blog (I found one of my videos on it in 2008) and his name was thrown around amidst all of the Brooklyn writerly types. Even with his name amidst this 'hipster'-esque group of same sames - I was pleased to find he did not fall into their line of piggy backing. Instead in emails he seems kind and sincere and his writing is actually beautiful, revolutionary and yes, I will say it... pure genius.

When Shane wrote to ask me if I would like to make something for the book release, obviously I said yes. It was a great escape for me this week to work on a short book trailer for the novel's release through Penguin (May 25, 2010). The novel sets the imagination on fire and the only downside of doing anything for this book is not having enough time or resources to work on it for the rest of my life! This sounds dramatic but I kind of do mean it...

Also, perhaps a book review with a brief synopsis might peak any interest:

A small town is besieged by “February.” The winter month, yes, but also a powerful, godlike being of the same name who won’t allow the sun to return. Something else is going on: Ever since February came, flight has been banned, and children have gone missing.

At the center is a balloonist named Thaddeus, whose daughter has disappeared and whose wife drowned herself in the marsh. The fever-dream fable winding its way through Jones’s debut novel takes many detours, but the town’s fruitless, ambitious battle against winter propels it. They attempt to wipe out the snow by pouring troughs of hot water downhill, but February counters with a prodigious moss crop that covers houses and chokes animals. When a horde of children living in underground tunnels presents a war plan, February’s wife tricks Thaddeus into believing it’s spring.

We expect a vibrant imagination in our authors, but charm is an underrated quality, and Jones has both in spades. Light Boxes twists through a waking nightmare, where violence slashes through characters but vines and flowers emerge in blood’s stead. The macabre feels more mischievous than menacing, which allows Jones to occasionally overindulge his precious side, though never enough to make us wince. Tempted though we were to read the endless winter as strict metaphor, Jones is a little too freewheeling to let anything stick. Instead, we end up with a sweet, surreal battle in the snow. - Time Out Chicago

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Last year, finding my birthday dress was last minute and ended up a complete mad dash to make the Vena Cava Thoth Dress mine - but alas I was successful and the dress was amazing and made for a great story. This year seems to have been a smoother search, something almost fated. Just a day or two ago I stumbled across photos of Australian brand Shakuhachi's amazing cut-out dresses and blogged about them. Then in a more complete search of their wares, I found the perfect birthday dress. It is something special, beyond black, a celebratory color without being crazy, shows the midriff without getting slutty-Birthday, and something I am eager to wear beyond my 22nd. With that, I present to you what I just ordered for myself for what will be a pretty festive celebration of not only my Birthday but my college Graduation as well as my departure from New York City to the Holy Land (yes, its happening, Im off to Israel in the next few months). I think this Shakuhachi dress is the perfect culminatory garment.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Ages ago, a friend of mine took photos of Lykke Li for NYLON magazine and, curious, I found her Myspace and its been love ever since. She did, however, take long enough to come out with anything to follow up her 2008 debut, Youth Novels. So, thank god this song is so good - otherwise I dont think Id be able to forgive her for allowing its use in New Moon.

Everything about her is perfect. Id attempt a list but its literally "Everything."

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

This is the best Ive ever seen The Jacket look. As much as I love it, I rarely wear it because I find it so hard to put together without looking too-something. All black leaves it too harsh. With more denim makes it ridiculous. Colors - and this might just be me - leave my body looking cluttered. But the sheer navy is just perfection. I love a good hint of the bra but had that top been black, it wouldve been, as I said, too harsh. So, well done to Cameron Russell - I will be using this for inspiration, possibly tomorrow, in hopes of getting more use out of that beautiful piece.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

What is Carven? It's a French house supposedly most famous for its perfume Ma Griffe but like I said in my previous post beauty dunce here wouldn't know that at all. Ailing French houses getting a revamp is an all too familiar story but Guillaume Henry seems to have steered it in a slightly different direction, creating directional clothes, but not overly so, that are as Fashionista put it 'Marc by Marc Jacobs' prices (evident by the current collection on NAP). The New York Times likened Carven to Cacharel (another C I talked about for the new tide of fresh injection) in its price point pitching. Which brings us back to the A/W 10-11 collection for which I could realistically be saving pennies for if the prices hover around the £300 mark for a dress, £500-600 for a coat and less for all the other bits and bobs, namely the ruched gloves. By Style Bubble

Whatever Carven may be, no matter where from or who by, I adore this collection. Id wear every look - ifonly I could pull each one off - and the color palette is a dream. Even the single model chosen to displayevery look is divine. Where can I find these pieces, thats what I want to know.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Classic camping gear aside, Pendelton is produces some of the most amazing items around. My little Pendelton backpack took me all over the Israelis mountaintops and deserts and held everything, braved water, and still looks brand new - well made stuff. I cant wait to get my hands on some of these pieces theyve made for Urban Outfitters. Wallets are already in-store but the blankets and towels are where its at.

There is no denying the majesty that is this genius of Zana Bayne of Garbage Dress' Spike Bag. Zana is something of an enigma to me - and I like her that way - because she rooms with one of my co-workers and many people around me know her somewhat well. But I so enjoy admiring from afar the amazing things she creates and wears, something to do with the fantasy, etc. Regardless, the Spike Bag was a delight to log back onto the Internet after a week and discover. Someday soon I hope I will randomly just need some small shoulder bag (I dont need anything, in fact I have far too many new bags right now) and just buy it. Until then I will covet.